Alpinestars Cro-mega LX

[mepenete]

Hey everyone,

First off I wanted to say how much I've enjoyed looking at this forum. I originally stumbled onto it when I was trying to look up information on my bike: an Alpinestars Cro-mega LX. Little did I realize there actually was a sizable community with these bikes!

I'm student at university in the United States (I see this forum is mostly in the UK!) and when I turned 18 my dad bought me a bike to use while at school. We got this Cro-mega LX for $100 from an older couple who had too many bikes.

I hadn't really given the bike much thought for my first few years at school, and it's only been recently that I've started riding it. I noticed the frame was really different than anything I'd seen before, so I looked it up on the internet and ended up here.

I was curious if anyone knew how to tell the when the bike was built/the year of the model? I've looked through at old advertisements on this site but I couldn't tell the difference.

The condition of the bike is pretty okay. I haven't replaced anything on the bike besides the tires. The logos are a bit faded and there are a few places where there is minor rust. Overall I'd say it's still looking decent though. Before anyone gives me a hard time, this bike is my main means of transportation to school, so head and tail lights are a must.

I've been thinking about getting new handle bars (I'm sure there is a cooler, more technical term for this) but I'm not sure what would best compliment this frame. To be honest, I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to bikes, especially 90's rarities like this one. As a new owner of an Alpinestars Cro-mega LX, is there anything I should know and what should do to maximize the glorious build of it? P.S. I'm poor.

Here are some pictures of my faithful:



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[drcarlos]

Welcome, nice to see such an original bike, it looks in good condition and it's good that you ride it. Do you ever take it off road or is it just on road use?
To be honest I would only change the STi's to something a little nicer (maybe DX or XT's of the same year) as the LX's are about the only thing in the groupset that is a little low rent (I changed the ones on my Muddyfox to slightly later XT's).
Wondering why you would want to change the bars, are you after risers? I wouldn't put risers on it personally as they don't really look right with a long stem and rigid forks. If you want to vary hand positions maybe a set of period bar ends would help. If the bars have been cut down and are now too narrow you could have a look for some used Answer Hyperlights as they would be a good period replacement.

Carl.

 

[mepenete]

Welcome, nice to see such an original bike, it looks in good condition and it's good that you ride it. Do you ever take it off road or is it just on road use?
To be honest I would only change the STi's to something a little nicer (maybe DX or XT's of the same year) as the LX's are about the only thing in the groupset that is a little low rent (I changed the ones on my Muddyfox to slightly later XT's).
Wondering why you would want to change the bars, are you after risers? I wouldn't put risers on it personally as they don't really look right with a long stem and rigid forks. If you want to vary hand positions maybe a set of period bar ends would help. If the bars have been cut down and are now too narrow you could have a look for some used Answer Hyperlights as they would be a good period replacement.

Carl.

What would the benefit be of changing them to the DX or XT's? I guess I'm looking for bar ends. I'll look into Answer Hyperlights, thanks for the tip. I honestly haven't seen any other Alpinestars in person, it's nice to find a community that's still enjoying them.

Is it possible that Alpinestars are much more common in the UK?

Edit: I'm using this bike only on the road right now (hence the tires) but after looking at all the other Alpinestars on here, I feel bad keeping this off the dirt. Maybe I'll start takin her off roadin.

 

[tintin40]

nice.
But is it not hard to get your water bottle out ? Would it not be easier on the down tube?
Getting quite a collection of Alpinestars

 

[mepenete]

nice.
But is it not hard to get your water bottle out ? Would it not be easier on the down tube?
Getting quite a collection of Alpinestars

Yes, it is haha. I've been meaning to change that. I'll work on it this weekend maybe.

 

[drcarlos]

Welcome, nice to see such an original bike, it looks in good condition and it's good that you ride it. Do you ever take it off road or is it just on road use?
To be honest I would only change the STi's to something a little nicer (maybe DX or XT's of the same year) as the LX's are about the only thing in the groupset that is a little low rent (I changed the ones on my Muddyfox to slightly later XT's).
Wondering why you would want to change the bars, are you after risers? I wouldn't put risers on it personally as they don't really look right with a long stem and rigid forks. If you want to vary hand positions maybe a set of period bar ends would help. If the bars have been cut down and are now too narrow you could have a look for some used Answer Hyperlights as they would be a good period replacement.

Carl.

What would the benefit be of changing them to the DX or XT's? I guess I'm looking for bar ends. I'll look into Answer Hyperlights, thanks for the tip. I honestly haven't seen any other Alpinestars in person, it's nice to find a community that's still enjoying them.

Is it possible that Alpinestars are much more common in the UK?

XT and DX brake levers are much nicer, they are alloy and 2 finger and the gear shifters are better built.

Here are a set:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/retro-Deore-D...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item1c17647358

They shouldn't break the bank either, i owuld have thought 30 or 40 bucks would see a good condition set delivered to you and you can always move the LX ones on for $20 as some people want correct catalogue specs.

Carl.

 

[mepenete]

Those look great, thanks. I really appreciate the help. I checked out Answer Hyperlites and I realize I'd rather change the bar ends. Are there any recommended ends that would give me some different hand positions that are period with the bike?

 

[drcarlos]

I can't remember if Answer did anything but I am sure they must have, they would be my choice followed by Onza.

Carl.

 

[mikee]

the bars on alpine-stars are oversize at the clamp so you will struggle to find anything different ,unless you change the stem
bar ends , a nice pair of onzas or answers would be good
@work at the moment so can't see your pics
will look at them when i get home

good to see yet more of probably the best bike ever made on here
welcome

 

[feetabix]

welcome to retrobike.......the beauty of our hobby is you can do what you like to your bike so get stuck in and enjoy!!.....answer taper or hyperlites will look good and keep it period or if you want bling then u.s.e. ti bars......onza barends all the way for me, they are period and very practical too if the bike is to be used regularly.......new components are great but if not broken do they need replacing?....you have plenty of choice from ebay but there is a charm in keeping and using original equipment and unless you are training for the olympics you wont ever really notice the few grams you may save.....great bike,good to know it has a second lease of life!......